Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2017
Coastal Region, South AfricaChenin was sourced from Agter-Paarl, Durbanville and Bottelary Hills for this tribute series wine, named for the winery's founder, Bernard. From various Coastal, granitic-soiled, old bush vines (averaging 45 years) this is already destined to be low yielding and ripe fruited. Whole bunch pressed, this spent one year in French wood (half new) with regular batônnage. Creamy and powerful, but with a freshness and elegance brought by the very good 2017 vintage, this is based on a thick cloud of herbal lees, with perfumed lemon, ripe pear, honeysuckle, and scents of scrubby fynbos. The wood is evident through a constant spiced presence that doesn't overwhelm the heady fruit. Enjoy this full-bodied white all winter long, with richer squash or creamy dishes.Tasted: 29 November 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Bellingham The Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2017
Coastal Region, South AfricaThis Old Vine chenin blanc is sourced from across South Africa’s Coastal Region, including Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Darling, from vines ranging from 35 to 47 years old. After whole-bunch pressing, the wine was matured for 12 months in French oak (50 percent new) with extended lees contact and regular battonage. This is not as overtly tropical as chenin blanc from South Africa can often be. Rather, it leans more towards a Savennières-inspired style with lanolin, wool, and orange blossom. It comes across more oxidative than you’d expect for such a young vintage, and the barrel aging certainly could have something to do that, though I find the wine carries the new oak quite well. However, the richness and breadth on the palate certainly points to a warmer climate. There’s good complexity here, with concentration that is above the norm. Good value.Tasted: 11 January 2020Tasted by: Prices:
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